To help you choose, here is a selection of the best over-ear headphones.
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DR
The editorial staff of 20 Minutes did not participate in the production of this article.
Over-ear headphones, in addition to being suitable for both home and outdoor use for Bluetooth models, are undoubtedly among the most popular formats.
After a boom period for in-ear headphones, the public is increasingly turning to over-ear models, which not only offer great performance, but also attractive design and full functionality.
How do you choose the best over-the-ear headphones?
A bluetooth or wired headset?
It is tempting to say that depending on the use you want to have, a wired headset will be better than a Bluetooth headset or vice versa.
This is no longer the case, most current headsets opting for a combination of both Bluetooth and wired in order to adapt to all needs depending on the circumstances.
Be careful about autonomy
Since most current headsets offer Bluetooth connectivity, they therefore need a battery to operate.
And who says battery, says limited autonomy before being recharged.
This is therefore an important criterion, especially for those who wish to listen to music for a long time in situations that do not allow their headphones to be recharged immediately.
What's the point of having circum-aural headphones?
Over-the-ear (or circum-aural) headphones - that is, headphones where the headphones surround the ear - have several advantages.
It provides significant sound insulation, avoiding annoying exterior noise.
It also has the advantage of being rather comfortable, since it exerts little pressure on the ear itself.
These are peculiarities that clearly distinguish it from over-ear headphones, which do not allow total isolation and can be annoying in case of intensive use, since they rest directly on the user's ears.
Pay attention to the weight of your over
-ear headphones
Over-ear headphones are the most massive of all headphones available on the market.
Combined with the use of a battery for Bluetooth models, these two features will affect a major criterion: weight.
Indeed, a circum-aural helmet can quickly gain in weight and therefore be a source of neck pain for its wearer if it is poorly chosen.
It is therefore advisable to choose the right helmet according to the size and weight for optimal comfort of use.
The selection of the best over-ear headphones
Sony WH-1000XM4: the high-end over-ear headphones
Sony WH-1000XM4 - DR
The Japanese manufacturer Sony offers us here the best of what it can do with the Sony WH-1000XM4.
A worthy heir to the WH-1000XM3, whose characteristics were already exemplary, this new model brings small but appreciable adjustments.
It not only reproduces excellent sound quality, but its design is very elegant and functional, with full touch controls allowing quick and easy management without taking out your smartphone.
With a contained weight of 255 grams, it is very comfortable, even in prolonged use as its battery allows it with an autonomy of between 25 to 30 hours.
The pros and cons of the Sony WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones:
Most :
Exemplary sound quality;
Up to 30 hours of autonomy;
An elegant, functional and comfortable design;
Multipoint Bluetooth connection.
The lessers :
Its high price.
Get the Sony WH-1000XM4 here
Marshall Monitor II ANC: the best mid-range over-ear headphones
Marshall Monitor II ANC - DR
If Marshall had difficulty in reaching the level of the most advanced models, the Marshall Monitor II ANC puts an end to this period.
Successor of the first Monitor of the name, this second iteration significantly improves its performance with precise, dynamic and rich sound.
Its controls are easy to access and intuitive, and the build quality has been revised upwards with neat finishes.
Its weight is however high with no less than 320 grams on the scale, even if the latter is well distributed.
The reason ?
Quality materials and a colossal battery life of 30 hours with active noise reduction and up to 40 hours without the activation of this option.
Pros and cons of the Marshall Monitor II ANC over-ear headphones:
Most :
Rich and precise sound quality;
Careful and quality manufacturing;
Intuitive and comprehensive controls;
A colossal autonomy of up to 40 hours.
The lessers :
Considerable weight;
Highs sometimes imprecise.
Get the Marshall Monitor II ANC
Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2: the best value for money over-ear headphones
Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 - DR
Plantronics offers here the best among nomadic over-ear headphones with the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2. Although older, this headset remains an excellent choice with dynamic and precise sound quality.
Its controls are intuitive and complete with a Bluetooth connection that does not suffer from any noticeable latency.
Its relatively high weight with its 290 grams is in no way a hindrance and its robust design offers neat finishes.
Finally, it offers 25 hours of autonomy, which makes it a rather durable model.
The pros and cons of the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 over-ear headphones:
Most :
Excellent value ;
Easy to learn;
Excellent sound quality;
Comfortable 25 hour battery life.
The lessers :
Very pronounced bass.
Get Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2
Focal Listen Wireless: the circum-aural headphones made in France
Focal Listen Wireless - DR
If choosing a quality French over-ear headphones is an important criterion, then the Focal Listen Wireless is ideal.
Wireless copy of Listen, it incorporates the main qualities of its predecessor.
In addition to a controlled and balanced sound, the controls are complete.
If its considerable weight of 300 grams may cause concern, it remains comfortable to use and does not cause fatigue or pain in case of prolonged use.
Finally, it offers an autonomy of more than 20 hours, which is honorable without being exceptional.
The pros and cons of Focal Listen Wireless over-ear headphones:
Most :
Precise and powerful sound quality;
Easy and intuitive controls;
Foldable and space-saving;
20 hours of battery life.
The lessers :
Not very suitable for large heads;
Hands-free kit cannot be used.
Get the Focal Listen Wireless
Over-ear headphones have something to seduce thanks to their many advantages. Comfortable, efficient, durable and with an often attractive design, there are many models adapted to the needs and means of each. Best of all, you don't have to break the bank to enjoy great sound quality.
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The editorial staff did not participate in its realization.
The prices mentioned in this article are indicative and are subject to change.
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